We, as humans, have skin that is similar to the epidermal cells and cuticles of a plant leaf. Not to mention, we share common DNA with many living organisms. It’s one subtle indication of how we should look to Mother Earth-approved companies and business owners, such as Indigenous peoples, who have committed to offering safe and ethically sourced products for inner and outer beauty. They are often considered the custodians and stewards of the earth, yet we see a lack of representation at beauty bars and cosmetic retailers across the globe.

The education in herbalism and sustainable practices that have been passed down from generation to generation is truly hard to ever surpass. In order for the plant of enlightenment to bloom for future generations, we must acknowledge as settlers and earth citizens that the act of watering the source is an important step in preservation instead of standing by and hoping the weeds don’t wilt.

Here are 5 Indigenous-owned brands your skin will love

Flyy Bod

From vibrant skin to vibrant packaging, Flyy Bod is proudly owned by Elissa, a Minjungbal woman of Bundjalung Nation located in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.

Flybodd offers yummy body lotions, washes, butters, and scrubs that will leave your skin begging for more. For instance, the BOD butter comes in three mouthwatering flavors that include tropical coconut, peachy papi, and a fragrance-free option. It features tropical ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, which was also eaten raw by the First Nations people, and Finger Lime, an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sḵwálwen

Bonding with the Earth has never been easier through the care of Skwalen, founded by Leigh (ancestral name Styawat), from the Skwxwú7mesh First Nations.

Sḵwálwen’s ingredients have a truly interesting journey. They first spend time on the land in between forests, estuaries, and or subalpine meadows. Later, the elements are processed through the mediums of scraping bark, cleaning, hanging to dry, infusing in oil, and more. It will then be developed into each recipe that turns into clays, plant butters, and quality oils.

The products range from Téýwilh Sweetgrass, Sage, and Rose Geranium Toner, Tewín’xw Cranberry Rose Facial Serum, and Kw’as Cocomint Lip Balm.

All of Sḵwálwen’s products are free from harsh chemicals, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances and colors.

Satya Organics

Inclusive is the best word to describe Satya Organics, founded by an Anishinaabe member of the Fort William First Nation, Patrice Mousseau.

The company produces a wide range of eczema-friendly products, from soothing gliding sticks to flower oat baths for both children and adults. Each of the goods are free from fragrance, steroids, gluten, or parabens and are hypoallergenic and non-stinging. You can expect comforting ingredients such as calendula petals, organic cold-pressed sweet almond oil, beeswax, jojoba, and colloidal oatmeal.

While pursuing Satya Organics, Patrice provides a beautiful playlist of Indigenous music to unwind that can be found here.

Wildcraft

Who needs to treat themselves on occasion when the pursuit of self-love can be found everyday at Wildcraft? Owned by Laura Whitaker, a Haudenosaunee woman from the Six Nation of Grand River, Wildcraft allows you to shop by concern in detail, making it easy to tackle any skin-related concerns. This includes a clarifying face cream featuring calendula-infused grapeseed oil, a nourishing mask formulated with mineral-rich pink clay, and a regenerate serum infused with seabuckthorn.

On top of that, Wildcraft produces a silk sea sponge that has been used in cleansing ceremonies since prehistoric times. The sponge has an incredibly soft texture and high mineral content that allows you to gently exfoliate the skin. It is sustainability harvested and even biodegradable.

Mother Earth Essentials

Inspired by the teachings rooted in the plants of the Medicine Wheel, Mother Earth Essentials, built by Carrie Armstrong, who comes from a long line of Cree Medicine Women, provides a unique wellness experience through the many layers of wisdom and knowledge in her goods.

The elements used by Mother Earth Essentials represent each direction of the Medicine Wheel. This includes sweetgrass, often called the hair of Mother Earth; tobacco, a pathway to the spirit world; sage, to cleanse negative energy; and cedar, representing grounding and balance.

With that in mind, you can acquire soaps, mineral baths, mists, and body lotions containing these powerful ingredients.

Don’t forget to also check out Mother Earth Essentials’ ongoing workshops to deepen your skincare practice.

What indigenous-owned brands are you supporting lately? Let us know in the comments.

The post 5 Indigenous-Owned Skincare Brands Your Skin Will Love appeared first on Eco Club.

While the pursuit of sustainability may never end, the beauty of the increase in eco-conscientious consumerism in the last decade is that companies are starting to realize the marketability of sustainable packaging. We want post-consumer and recycled bottles and boxes; we care if the plastic seal on our eye cream is going to end up in a landfill.

So if you’ve been meaning to transition your skincare and beauty routine to support more eco-friendly companies, here are 10 innovative zero waste beauty brands you can check out today.

10 zero & low-waste makeup & skincare companies

Axiology

As much as we joke about men’s infamous 3-1 soap, Axiology has made multipurpose sexy with their Zero Waste Balmies. Perfect for eyes, lips, and cheeks, Axiology uses recycled paper that can be recycled or composted in their packaging. (Their lipstick tubes do use recycled plastic that keeps plastic out of landfills, but require finding a company like Credo that is willing to recycle your empties once you’re done.)

DEW MIGHTY

One of the coolest concepts I’ve seen brought to life, DEW MIGHTY has created a serum that’s in bar form. They also emphasis a zero-waste approach to sustainability and offer packaging that is metal (i.e. reusable) or recyclable/ compostable via their “exclusive natural based veggie coated paper […] printed with plant based inks that was created specifically for DEW MIGHTY.”

River Organics

Founded with a purely paper-based packaging strategy, River Organics uses recycled envelopes that are plastic free and compostable. While they do carry some items in glass bottles and metal tins, this vegan and palm-oil free company emphasizes building a zero-waste and ingredient transparent brand.

Blue Heron Botanicals

Dedicated to a holistic approach to healing and beauty, Blue Heron Botanicals uses eco-tubes for their lip therapy sticks, balms, and salves. Their packaging is 100% compostable, recyclable or reusable, and on the rare occasion they launch a limited-edition product in tins or glass jars, they encourage reusing the containers over recycling as a more sustainable practice.

Josie Maran

One of the more recognizable brands on this list, Josie Maran fully converted to 100% post-consumer recycled materials last year. They also partner with TerraCycle to offer a free and easy way to recycle their packaging, and the bulk of their items come in reusable glass containers.

Activist

Like the name suggests, Activist focuses on building opportunities for social activism by “prioritize women and people of color when selecting our partners and vendors” while building an environmentally friendly skincare brand. They use a refill pouch system to cut down on unnecessary waste. While pouches are not compostable, they are recyclable through TerraCycle, and they cut down on carbon emissions versus shipping heavy containers.

Fat and the Moon

Ferociously eco-conscious, Fat and the Moon has built a business around closing the loop. They source all their ingredients from local and transparently identified farmers, and “see packaging as an ingredient.” They have an adorable Regeneration Guide on their site to direct consumers on how to reuse, recycle or compost their various packaging materials, and ship all orders plastic-free in recyclable or biodegradable boxes paper and tape.

Ethique

Proudly 100% plastic-free, Ethique sells all their products as either bars or sticks in compostable tubes. They ship all orders in “a cardboard box, with paper ‘bubble wrap’, all sealed with paper tape.” They also plant a tree in partnership with Ecologi for every order made!

Osea

Based in California, Osea packages most of their goods in glass (though their body scrubs are packaged in PP plastic for safety reasons.) In an effort to promote recycling, they also offer the chance for locals to bring empty OSEA products to their Venice Studio, with a $40 credit incentive for every every 6 full size or 1oz travel size products returned. For non-locals, they recommend TerraCycle. Lastly, they are Climate Neutral Certified.

Meow Meow Tweet

With one of the best company names I’ve ever come across, Meow Meow Tweet packages all their products in glass, metal, or compostable paper. They boast a bulk program that’s a closed loop refill system and 100% zero waste, and offer vegan and palm-oil free beauty products aimed at inclusivity.

To see more beauty brands making waves in the low-waste community, check out our sustainable directory.

The post 10 Innovative Zero Waste Beauty Brands appeared first on Eco Club.

Cleansing

As naturals, we have to be very mindful of the products that we put into our hair and the ingredients they contain. Sulphates and other drying ingredients can lead to breakage and damage in the long run. Not to mention, most hair care products come in plastic packaging, and a laundry list of not-so-sustainable ingredients.

A great alternative to conventional natural hair care products is African Black Soap. It’s all natural, chemical-free, and detoxifying. You can find it at your local beauty supply store in the soap aisle. You can also find similar products on Etsy or from seller Ethical Chick (pictured below), who uses ethically sourced products and recycled packaging.

Moisturizing with DIY Shea Butter Hair Cream

The next big staple in sustainable natural hair care is a nourishing moisturizer. Whether you use the LOC method or you do a wash and go, moisture is important. I enjoy making my own DIY shea butter cream, full of enriching oils. All you need is refined shea butter (not the yellow one!), jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and any other oils that you hair loves. Mix thoroughly, until all oils are blended. Be sure to keep it in an air tight container. The cream lasts for months, and can be used on your hair and body.

Styling and Protecting with Thrifted Scarves

Now that you’ve cleansed and moisturized, it’s time to style your thick curls. To avoid tangling and breakage, I usually put my hair into a protective style, like 2 strand twists. This helps to lock the moisture into hair and protect your ends. My favorite way to dress up my twists are with head wraps and scarves, which you can easily find at your local thrift store! I have gotten most of the scarves in my collection for $3 each. Plus, thrift shops are always the best for finding fun colors, textures, and fabrics that no one else will have. I love this video by Jae from faceovermatter over on Youtube and was inspired to create my own version to share on Insta:

When you start on a more eco friendly lifestyle, you realize just how many areas of your life are connected to this journey. Once you find what works for you in both your sustainable and natural hair journeys, you’ll feel empowered to bring sustainability to other parts of your routine. It can be challenging but you’re guaranteed to learn a bunch of unique and inventive things along the way. 

What are your favorite sustainable natural hair care products and tips? Would you like to see more posts on this topic? Let us know!

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